We receive many enquiries with regards the coming changes to the employer sponsored program, specifically the new rules allowing all occupations on the short term list to transition to permanent residency.

The announced rule (when it commences) is that you must work for your sponsoring employer for at least two years on a 482 visa in order to transition to a 186 visa.

You cannot move to some other temporary visa to maintain your employment and still transition.  We receive a lot of enquiry from client who wish to move to a 12 month 408 as this is cheaper that a new 482 visa.

You can only transition is your two years employment has been on a 482 visa or you have been on a bridging visa awaiting the grant of a new 482 (i.e. a bridging visa between 482 visas).  So do not move off your employer sponsored visa.

Also it is worth mentioning that a higher English language level applies to 186 visas.  You must have scores of at least 6 in each band of an IELTS test (or the equivalent in an alternative test).  So if you do not hold and exemption it is worth obtaining these scores now as your English certificate will remain valid for three years.

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